Tingog.com

In recent days, an announcement has been made to the fact that Jonas Burgos is a member of the New Peoples Army (NPA). It was Army chief Lt. Gen. Romeo Tolentino that made this statement. Almost three months after the abduction of Jonas Burgos, after a week where the lead prosecutor in the abduction case was sacked for telling media that the main suspects were from ISAFP, Jonas is still missing.

But how is branding Jonas Burgos as an NPA any different from having Prosecuter Velasco inform media that he suspects ISAFP men as being the abductors of Burgos himself?

The difference is that one allegation is against Burgos, and the other against The Military. While Tolentino will not get fired anytime soon for having made that allegation, Velasco was quickly, swiftly, and unjustifiably fired for doing a good job, and thus slowing down the abduction investigation.

This is the double standard that this administration uses, as it rationalizes its actions, rather than actually making rational actions.

So now the military, after three months, may be trying to make excuses as to why they would abduct Jonas Burgos.

But here’s the main point, the point that we should all be pondering. If this was a normal abduction case, shouldn’t the military brass be focusing on where Jonas Burgos is, and not trying to make excuses, telling media why Jonas Burgos would be abducted? The main suspects are still within the military, that almost goes without saying. But, when the military is focusing more on covering its own ass, rather than focusing on trying to get Jonas Burgos back and alive, as quickly as possible, then it makes one nervous.

Who knows what Jonas’ mother is going through, as she courageously battles for the freedom of her son. But one thing is clear, if this government can get Father Bossi back, scrambling to retrieve him before the SONA of Gloria Arroyo, why is it that they can’t do the same for Jonas Burgos?

What makes the life of one kidnapped victim more important than the life of another? Is it that one is a priest, and the other is one that you accuse of being an NPA? If we can’t trust our own government to make that decision within the court of law, and not outside of it, then is it any wonder, that there is a cautious nervousness within the Filipino community with regards to the new Anti-terror law?

More questions, than answers, I’m sorry. But these are the type of questions we should be asking. Because if we leave it to this administration to shape the discussion, then we will always be spoon fed the same old crap, that the Government is doing what is best for the people. But sorry, that just doesn’t cut it.

Burgos is still missing, and that is still the sad truth.